Next Great Work

“Last I checked, I wasn’t an Inuzuka.”

He still has to take a few hurried steps to catch up to the taller man- and sometimes he can’t help but wonder when he’ll stop feeling like the starstruck little boy that had to all but run to keep up with his sensei’s footsteps. 

Literally and figuratively. 

“Still having trouble adding an elemental nature to it though… maybe you’ll see something I’ve missed.”

“So it’s a jutsu that’s not finished, but it’s battle-ready? That sounds interesting, but also dangerous. Are you sure this isn’t gonna explode and kill us both, ‘Natto Bean?”

Admittedly there wasn’t much free time left in-between the paperwork and meetings these days, but amusement quirked up the corners of his lips at Jiraiya’s off-hand commentary of the fact.

“Any time, Sensei. You know that technique I’ve been working on? Got something pretty cool to show you this time.”

“I swear to the Third, Minato, if you turn into an animal man, I’m leaving forever.”

                           ❝Hm? What do you mean by that, Jirayia-sama?❞

                          Embarrassment dusted her cheeks in red as a soft laugh passed through her lips. ❝You know I wouldn’t let him treat me any other way. And you seem as lively as ever! Have you seen Tsunade-sama lately? Minato mentioned something about you going on a mission, so I thought you might have left to search for her.❞

There was a bitterness that seized his heart every time he lay his eye upon the serpentine shinobi. A feeling of trust long past, of friendship torn asunder. It was as if he could see the chains that bound them to one another, and the rust that lead them to decay. He turned to face the man, scowl marring his features.

                          ❝Sometimes changing is good ‘ya know. I mean, look at me, I haven’t beaten a bully in a very long time ‘ttebane.❞ Playfulness curled her lips into a grin as violet orbs sparkled like stars in a moonless night. The old pervert was a gentle, loving man despite his terrible habits. And as much as she tried to deny it, he has a special place in her heart.

“For some, sure. But you know what they say about dogs and tricks. I also find that hard to believe.” He chuckles and holds her at arm’s length, looking her up and down with a smile.

                          A single red eyebrow rose as she carefully approached him, ready to strike despite her trust that he would not do anything to his student’s wife. 

                          ❝It seems you haven’t changed, Jirayia-sensei.❞

“Would you really want me to?”

                           ❝The only flat thing here will be your nose once my fist hits it ‘ttebane!❞

“It’s almost always about them isn’t it? Don’t tell me…the others have been targeted as well?”

“I TRY TO—!! But what can I do if everytime you have the chance you go around peeking on girls ‘ttebane!”